Amy Abraham

A helping heart

For as long as I can remember, I've spent about ninety percent of my life helping others, and only about ten percent taking care of my own needs.

It's always been that way for me. If I saw a problem and I wasn't doing something to help fix it, I felt like I was part of the problem. So I stayed in motion — trying, giving, showing up.

What I've come to know

At this point in my life, I've come to realize that there are so many problems in the world — and it is not all of my job to fix every one of them.

What I can do is take care in the right order: first my spirit, then the body God gave me, then my emotional state. Then my family. Then the next circle out — the ones beyond my own home. And then whoever God brings across my path next.

It's not always the same people at the same time. And there is no shoulda, coulda, woulda about any of it. It's all very holistic — a rhythm, not a rulebook.

My story

For a long time, I thought I was just the one person who couldn't handle life. I thought everyone struggled the way I struggled — and it turns out that isn't true.

Everyone's life is completely different, and the way we each handle it is completely different too. Just because one person can carry certain struggles doesn't mean that everyone can carry all of those struggles.

I've been on my own journey of facing what's mine to face — head-on, day by day, little by little. The scars, the fight, the internal pain, and the outside baggage that comes with it. I'm not hiding any of it, because it's part of the strength.

— and I'm still going.

Why I believe in giving back

I believe every single person out there sees at least one thing in our world that needs some love — and there's a place for each of us in it. It might look like:

• Mentoring the youth
• Supporting a philanthropic organization
• Donating to research
• Volunteering hands-on in your community
• Walking alongside adults with special needs
• Sharing your profession — because not everyone has insurance or access

Doctor, nurse, hairdresser, dentist, teacher, neighbor — whoever you are, you have something to give.